We are excited to announce that 30 staff and board members from 15 affiliates are joining Habitat for Humanity of Oregon for the first-of-its-kind program, Habitat Equity Academy for Leaders (HEAL).
Habitat Equity Academy for Leaders is a year-long leadership initiative designed for Habitat for Humanity staff and board members centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This program aims to cultivate more inclusive affiliates, replacing old narratives and problematic behaviors while creating environments that generate new possibilities for achieving mission impact. To effectively navigate what are increasingly rapidly changing systems, leaders need to develop and apply emergent and dynamic planning skills and strategies to center equity within their organizations.
Facilitated by Katharine Quince and Veronica Bañuelos, HEAL will offer a space for Habitat leaders to engage in brave conversations, strategic technical work, tool-building, and learning.
Participating affiliates range in geography, size and role: HEAL includes members located everywhere from southern and central Oregon to the coast and throughout the Willamette Valley. The cohort is representative of all affiliate sizes (small, medium and large; urban, suburban and rural) and features nine executive directors, nine board members and additional staff from all Habitat roles, including construction and ReStore.
We are thrilled to see such tremendous interest in this endeavor and can’t wait for facilitators Katharine and Veronica to begin working with the group in November.